Zero Motorcycles Amps Up 2015 ProductionAs the demand voltage amps up (pardon the shameless puns) for its electric motorcycles, California’s Zero Motorcycles has responded by expanding its Scotts Valley production facility, increasing assembly staff and rolling out an array of state-of-the-art tools to support higher production and quality levels.
Key features of the 2015 product line were featured here back in October. The product refinements in the 2015 include Showa suspension systems, extended range on most models and Zero Motorcycles became the first production electric motorcycle to feature anti-lock brakes (ABS).As product refinements have kept coming, demand has kept growing. Indeed, the company reports record sales in 2014, which triggered its substantial investments in infrastructure and staff.“We’ve taken everything learned from building thousands of electric motorcycles and applied it to new manufacturing processes. To meet the increased demand from customers, we’ve added new jobs here at our California factory,” said Kai Hypko, VP of Operations for Zero Motorcycles.“Highly advanced tools, improved systems and more skilled workers will allow us to continue to increase our production capacity and ensure premium quality.”“Our 2015 lineup continues to lead the industry in overall range, performance and technology,” said Abe Askenazi, Chief Technology Officer at Zero Motorcycles. “For 2015, we focused our efforts on refining virtually every element of the vehicle—from the tires up—to give riders the most pure, seamless experience available.”The first shipments of motorcycles are now in transit, with all North American dealerships receiving the new models by the end of January. European delivery is scheduled for February 2015.Initial production will be dedicated to motorcycles that will be used for test rides via Zero Motorcycles dealers. Interested riders can schedule a demo online.For more information on Zero Motorcycles or to learn more about its complete motorcycle line, including the Zero S, Zero SR, Zero DS, and Zero FX motorcycles, visit: Zero Motorcycles.
Our first segment introduces you to the new Arch 1s. This latest, slightly more sporting American V-twin, adds to the original KRGT1 coming from the boutique manufacturer based in Hawthorne, Southern California. Senior Editor Nic de Sena rode through Malibu with Gard Hollinger, who co-founded Arch Motorcycle with his friend, Keanu Reeves. The 1s is a unique ride for sure, and Nic explains what makes the bike really stand out.
For the entertaining story behind Arch Motorcycle from Gard Hollinger himself, you must listen to his podcast episode on Motos & Friends HERE
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The guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—visit your local dealer or suzukicycles.com to learn more.
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In our second segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with multiple Emmy award-winning writer, Producer, Director, and actor, Thom Beers. the former Chairman & CEO of Fremantle Media North America, responsible for American Idol and America’s Got Talent.
Thom’s fertile imagination led to most of the really big reality TV shows such as ‘Deadliest Catch’ (now in its 17th season!), and many others. Of course for us in the motorcycle world, you’ll be interested to hear the genesis and story of how he started the first real fabrication reality show ‘Monster Garage’, that showcased Jesse James, and then how that led to ‘Biker Build Off’ and the ‘Zombie Choppers’ movie.
You’d imagine that most of Thom’s time is spent sitting behind a desk and on his phone. Not so. His intense stories of capturing much of the content for these shows make for some hair-raising listening.